Elizabeth Welch

2009 Research

Abstract: First Victims: A Proactive Criminal Justice Program to Prevent Sex OffencesMentor: Professor Dennis Anderson, Psychology (2009-2010)The prevention of sexual offences has been an area of interest for many years. At the moment the Criminal Justice System prevents sexual offences from occurring by placing already convicted sexual offenders into therapeutic programs. The following is a detailed examination of sexual offenders in society and in the literature. The literature indicates that these individuals suffer from high rates of insecure attachment and associated disorders (e.g. anxiety, rejection sensitivity, etc). It is obvious that insecure attachment should be the main focus in regards to treatment and prevention of sex offenders. Following the sex offender examination is an outline indicating the direction of a future proactive program that will be aimed at treating people who suffer from adult attachment disorder and are not convicted sex offenders in order to prevent a sex offender from developing.

Research has shown that violent media can influence cognitions (Bushman & Geen, 1990). Specifically, when violence increases, aggressive thoughts also increase. Research has also found that individuals who are exposed to violent cues (e.g., guns), aggressive behavior may increase (Anderson, Benjamin, & Bartholow, 1998;Bushman & colleagues, 1998; 2002). Along with media, specific personality traits (e.g., Antisocial Personality Disorder traits) have also been associated with violent behavior (American Psychological Association, 2000). The current study examined the effects of a brief violent media clip (e.g., less than one minute) on memory as well as the effects of specific personality traits on memory. Specifically, the study examined whether after being exposed to a violent media clip individuals would recall more violent words than before the media clip. Secondly, the study examined whether specific antisocial personality traits, affected the recall of violent words. Although significant results were not found in regards to memory and personality, significant results werediscovered in regards to recall of violent words before and after the media clip (i.e., more violent words were recalled after the clip).

Abstract: How Stalkable Are You? An Examination of Myspace.com

Belinda Gamboa, Graduate Student Elizabeth Welch (co-author)

Mentor: Dr. Russell Kolts, Psychology (2008)Stalking represents a significant but understudied form of violence. Social networking sites like Myspace.com provide a wealth of information that stalkers can utilize in pursuing their victims. We examined a large number of Myspace.com pages with regard to the specific types of information that different types of users reveal about themselves, with specific attention given to information that might be useful to stalkers. Results reveal that while share information responsibly, a subgroup of Myspace.com users reveal significant personal information across several domains. Additionally, we provide recommendations for utilizing such internet resources in a manner that is designed to minimize stalking risks.

Presentations

13th Annual EWU Student Research and Creative Works Symposium May 19, 2010